Asia Cup Hockey 2025: Salima Tete To Lead 20-Member India Women's Squad

Last Updated:August 21, 2025, 15:27 IST

Salima Tete has been a key member of the Indi women hockey team since being appointed captain last year.

Salima Tete during a warm-up session. (PTI Photo)

Seasoned midfielder Salima Tete was retained as captain of the 20-member Indian women’s hockey team for the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 5 to 14.

This tournament is particularly significant as the winner will earn a direct berth in the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup.

India is placed in Pool B and will compete against Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. The team will kick off its campaign against Thailand on September 5, followed by a match against Japan on September 6.

India’s final pool-stage match will be against Singapore on September 8.

“We are excited about the squad we have selected for the women’s Asia Cup in Hangzhou," Chief Coach Harendra Singh said in a press release issued by Hockey India.

The 27-year-old Salima has been a key member of the team since being appointed captain last year.

“The group has been training with great intensity, and we have tried to strike the right balance between experienced campaigners and young talent," Singh said.

“Our focus will be on playing an aggressive and disciplined brand of hockey, and we believe this team has the capability to compete strongly against the best in Asia," he added.

Emphasising the stakes, Singh noted that the team cannot afford any missteps in the matches.

“Every match will test our composure, fitness, and tactical execution. The players are motivated to rise to the occasion, and we are confident of delivering performances that make India proud."

The squad features a balanced mix of youth and experience, with goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam providing depth under the post.

The defence will be led by experienced players like Nikki Pradhan and Udita, supported by youngsters Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Ishika Chaudhary.

In the midfield, the team boasts strong names such as Neha, Salima, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, ensuring both creativity and stability.

The forward line includes a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising stars — Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal.

However, experienced players Savita and Sushila Chanu, who were part of the European leg of the FIH Pro League, are not included in this squad.

India’s Squad for women’s Asia Cup

GOALKEEPERS: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam

DEFENDERS: Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary

MIDFIELDERS: Neha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Salima Tete, Sharmila Devi, Lalremsiami, Sunelita Toppo

FORWARDS: Navneet Kaur, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Sangita Kumari

With PTI Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

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First Published:

August 21, 2025, 15:27 IST

News sports Asia Cup Hockey 2025: Salima Tete To Lead 20-Member India Women's Squad

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